Click for species

Amicula vestita
Hanleya nagelfar
Hanleyella asiatica
Leptochiton alveolus
Leptochiton arcticus
Stenosemus albus
Tonicella marmorea
Tonicella rubra
 
     
     
     

 

Chitons: Polyplacophora

Tonicella

Chitons occur throughout the world oceans, mostly in intertidal and subtidal nearshore zones, but some species live in the deep sea. They inhabit hard substrates and many species are often exposed to air in the upper intertidal. Most species are severla cm in length, but the largest species is over 30 cm in length.

Chitons are characterized by eight separate calcareous plates on their backs that provide protection, but still allow flexibility during movement. Chitons creep with a very muscular foot that can remain tightly stuck to rocks and bolders even during breaking waves. Some species exhibit "homing" behavior, where they return to a unique spot after a feeding excursion where they will fit tightly. When removed from rocks, chitons can curl up into a ball to protect their more fragile undersides where the gills are hidden.

Most chitons are herbivorous grazers, but a few species are predators. About 1,000 living species are known worldwide of which 8 species are known to occur in the Arctic.

Page Author: Bodil Bluhm
Created: Sept 24, 2010

Total view statistics